Microtunnelling & Pipe Jacking
Microtunnelling enables the trenchless installation of small to medium diameter service pipelines in situations where an open-cut solution would be undesirable or impractical.
The system combines the use of remote-controlled tunnel boring machines and pipe jacking - the mechanised process of pushing sections of pipe through the ground to create a tunnel.
Microtunnel boring machines can operate from pits or shafts and can be equipped with different cutting heads to accomodate a variety of ground conditions. The spoil is removed from the cutting face inside the machine either by conveyor belt, or in the form of slurry, depending on the type of machine used. Where pressurised slurry machines are deployed, a slurry separation plant is located adjacent to the launch pit.
A.E. Yates are microtunnelling experts and can demonstrate a track record of success on pipework engineering projects throughout the UK and Ireland. We operate a range of state-of-the-art tunnelling equipment suitable for installing pipelines of varying diameters between 600mm and 2000mm. Span lengths of up to 450m are attainable for larger diameter pipes.
Full Face Tunnel Boring Machines
Iseki Unclemole TCC 780
(Installs 600mm ID concrete pipe)
The compact TCC 780 can work out of a 3m ID shaft. Unit pipe length 1.2 or 2.0m. Span length up to 100m.
1220mm OD Soltau RVS 400 AS
(Installs 1000mm ID concrete pipe)
Our RVS 400 has heads for soft ground and rock. Can work out of 4.27m ID shaft. Unit pipe length 2.5m, span length up to 200m. It can also be used for installing 1200mm ID gas pipe directly.
Iseki Unclemole TCC 1450
(Installs 1200mm ID concrete pipe)
Can work out of 4.5m ID drive shaft. Unit pipe length 2.5m, span length up to 250m.
Iseki Unclemole TCC 1800
(Installs 1500mm ID concrete pipe)
Can work out of 5m ID drive shaft. Unit pipe length 2.5m, span length up to 300m.
1800mm OD Herrenknecht AVN1500T
(Installs 1500mm ID concrete pipe)
Can work out of 5.28m ID drive shaft. Unit pipe length 2.5m, span length up to 450m.
AEY own a variety of heads for this TBM to suit soft ground and rock. This T-series machine allows access to the head during tunnel drives. Cutter discs can be replaced in-situ, thus allowing the machine to carry out long drives in rock. An airlock is also available for this machine.
2140mm OD Herrenknecht AVN1800D
(installs 1800mm ID concrete pipe)
Has heads for soft ground and rock. Can work out of 7.62m ID drive shaft. Unit pipe length 2.5m, span length up to 450m.
This machine allows access to the head during tunnel drives. This machine incorporates an airlock can and an optional building can which enables the tunnelling system to build 1800mm ID segments erected in the tailskin.
Open Face Tunnel Boring Machines
1780mm OD Akkerman WM Drum Digger
(installs 1500mm ID concrete pipe)
Has heads for sand, clay and soft rock. Can work out of 5.28m ID drive shaft with backshunt. Unit pipe length 2.5m, span length up to 250m.
This is an open faced machine suited to self supporting ground. It is man operated and uses conveyor and skip to transport the spoil, thus eliminating the need for a separation process. The conveyor can be belt or screw type depending on the ground. The cutter arms can be configured in pick mode (for mudstone) or spade mode (for clay). This machine is an ideal replacement for hand excavated pipejacking as it virtually eliminates the risk from Hand-arm Vibration Syndrome.
2120mm Herrenknecht MH3 backacter
(installs 1800mm ID concrete pipe)
Can work out of 6.1m ID drive shaft with backshunt. Unit pipe length 2.5m, span length up to 350m.
This is an open faced machine suited to self supporting ground. It is man operated and uses conveyor and skip to transport the spoil, thus eliminating the need for a separation process. Like the 1780mm OD Akkerman TBM, this machine virtually eliminates the risk from Hand-arm Vibration Syndrome and is thus is an ideal replacement for hand excavated pipejacking.
Slurry Management and Separation Plant
Slurry Separation Platform
When microtunnelling is carried out using a full face pressurised slurry system, spoil is transported to the surface mixed with water. Our slurry processing plants separate out the excavated material ready for disposal.
